Communication method, communication apparatus and communication system configured to determine whether a reserved period is between two data or signals

ABSTRACT

There are provided an apparatus, a method and a system. The apparatus comprises: a transmitter operative to transmit wireless data or signals to a second node; and a circuitry operative to determine whether one or more reserved periods are reserved between two continuous data or signals transmitted by the transmitter based on a length of configured transmission time intervals (TTIs), wherein the circuitry is further operative to: determine the one or more reserved periods are reserved between two continuous data or signals in a case that the length of configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present technology relates to wireless communication field, and moreparticular, to a communication method, communication apparatus andcommunication system for shortened transmission time intervals (sTTI).

2. Description of the Related Art

In a wireless communication field, end-user radio or wireless terminals,also known as user equipment units (UEs), communicate via a wirelessnetwork such as a radio access network (RAN) with a radio base station(RBS), also called “eNodeBs” (eNBs). The radio access network (RAN)covers a geographical area which is divided into cell areas, with eachcell area being served by a radio base station.

When a UE or an eNB transmits a signal, it needs a transient time periodto make a voltage of the signal from a low level to a high level (orfrom power off state to power on state), and make a voltage the signalfrom a high level to a low level (or from power on state to power offstate). The signal within transient time period may be unstable, anduseless at a receiver, which may be called unwanted or undesired signal.

There is some period, for example 20 us, required for power ON and offbased on RAN4 specification TS 36.101. This period is potentially neededfor start of a transmission and end of the transmission, as shown inFIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. And depending on the transmission channel type, thetransient time needs to be implemented within a subframe (within theperiod between the timing for starting a subframe and the timing forending the subframe, as shown in the left 20 us transient period in FIG.1A) or out of a subframe (out of the period between the timing forstarting a subframe and the timing for ending the subframe, as shown inthe right 20 us transient period in FIG. 1A). Such transient time of onesubframe defined in RAN4 may interfere with other subframe's receptionbecause there would be some unwanted or undesired signal generatedduring transient time. For subframe length of 1 ms, such impact may beignored because the transient time just occupies for a small ratio.

However, on the other hand, there is no specific definition or timereserved based on physical layer specification (RAN1). That is, there isno specific transient time reserved within a subframe due to power onand power off for transmitting a signal by a UE or an eNB based on RAN1standard. From the system or base station perspective, the subframes arecontinuously transmitted, like FIG. 1C.

There is needed an improved solution for such transient time in RAN1standard especially for shortened TTI (sTTI) cases.

SUMMARY

The inventors found that no specific time being reserved for thetransient time from the physical layer standard may not be problematicfor normal TTI because the duration of normal TTI is 1 ms and relativelylonger. And the impact of transient time to the transmission/receptionmay be ignored. Then based on RAN4 specification to define UE'stransmitter behavior on transient time is sufficient. But in shortenedTTI case (which has a TTI shortened than a threshold which is forexample 1 ms), for example, transmitting 2 or 7 orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in a downlink subframe, ortransmitting 2, 4, or 7 Single-carrier Frequency-Division MultipleAccess (SC-FDMA) symbols in an uplink subframe, such unstable level ofthe voltage of the transmitted signal from power off to power on or frompower on to power off may cause large unwanted or undesired signals atthe receiver. In a case of only two OFDM/SC-FDM symbols with smallersubcarrier spacing or 14 symbols with larger subcarrier spacing, theimpact of transient time could be larger because the desired signal willbe squeezed, as shown in FIG. 2A (upper part). In addition, assumingthat the transient time is reserved for both start and end of ashortened TTI (sTTI) and 20 us is needed for each transient time, theratio of transient time is as following table 1. It is clear from thattable 1 that especially for 2 symbol sTTI case, the ratio of transienttime over a sTTI is around 30% which is quite large and may heavilyimpact performance of desired signal reception.

TABLE 1 7 symbol sTTI 4 symbol sTTI 2 symbol sTTI Ratio of transient(20 + 20)/ (20 + 20)/ (20 + 20)/ time over a sTTI 500 = 8% 250 = 16% 143= 30%

But on the other hand, if the transient time is arranged out of thesTTI, it may interfere with other sTTI as shown in FIG. 2B, namely sTTI1's transient time will impact reception of sTTI 2's signal and viceversa. The impact of transient time is heavier for very shortened sTTIcases. Here the shortened sTTI may be realized by reducing transmittedOFDM/SC-FDMA symbols or increasing subcarrier spacing. In case of thelatter one, OFDM symbol number of TTI is still for example 14, which issame as that of normal TTI.

Based on the above observation and analysis, the inventors propose animproved solution for such transient time in RAN1 standard especiallyfor shortened TTI (sTTI) cases.

In one general aspect, there is provided an apparatus, at a first node,comprising: a transmitter operative to transmit wireless data or signalsto a second node; and a circuitry operative to determine whether one ormore reserved periods are reserved between two continuous data orsignals transmitted by the transmitter based on a length of configuredtransmission time intervals (TTIs), wherein the circuitry is furtheroperative to: determine the one or more reserved periods are reservedbetween two continuous data or signals in a case that the length ofconfigured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold.

In another general aspect, there is provided a method, performed at afirst node, comprising steps of: transmitting wireless data or signalsto a second node; and determining whether one or more reserved periodsare reserved between two continuous data or signals transmitted by thetransmitter based on a length of configured transmission time intervals(TTIs), wherein the step of determining further includes: determiningthe one or more reserved periods are reserved between two continuousdata or signals in a case that the length of configured TTI is shorterthan or equal to a threshold.

In another general aspect, there is provided a communication system,performed at a first node, comprising: one or more processors; a memorycoupled with the one or more processors, storing computer programstherein, when executed by the one or more processors, to perform stepsof: transmitting wireless data or signals to a second node; anddetermining whether one or more reserved periods are reserved betweentwo continuous data or signals transmitted by the transmitter based on alength of configured transmission time intervals (TTIs), wherein thestep of determining further includes: determining the one or morereserved periods are reserved between two continuous data or signals ina case that the length of configured TTI is shorter than or equal to athreshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A schematically shows a concept of transient period in onesubframe specified in RAN4 specification of 3GPP TS 36.211.

FIG. 1B schematically shows a concept of transient period in multiplesubframes specified in RAN4 specification of 3GPP TS 36.211.

FIG. 1C schematically shows subframes which are continuously transmittedfrom the system or base station perspective.

FIG. 2A schematically shows a transient time impact according todifferent lengths of sTTIs if the transient time is within a sTTI.

FIG. 2B schematically shows a sTTI's transient time impact on asubsequent sTTI if the transient time is out of a sTTI.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of an apparatus at a firstnode according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B schematically show a transient time configurationaccording to different lengths of sTTIs according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 5A schematically shows a transient time configuration according todifferent channel types according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B schematically shows a transient time configuration according todifferent channel types according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A schematically shows a transient time not aligned withsymbol/slot boundary of normal TTI according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6B schematically shows a transient time aligned with symbol/slotboundary of normal TTI according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a transient time configuration in which asounding reference signal (SRS) in a sTTI is used for demodulatingaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a transient time configuration in which thestart time of a transmission or transient time is controlled by eNB,according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B schematically show a transient time configurationfor four symbol sTTIs with hopping, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 schematically shows a flow chart of a method at a first nodeaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a block diagram of a system according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 11,which relate to a communication method, apparatus and system. It isunderstood that the present technology may be embodied in many differentforms and in many different orders and should not be construed as beinglimited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete andwill fully convey the present technology to those skilled in the art.Indeed, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which are includedwithin the scope and spirit of the technology as defined by the appendedclaims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of thepresent technology, numerous specific details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, itwill be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the presenttechnology may be practiced without such specific details.

While orders of the steps of the methods and the structures of thecomponents are provided herein for exemplary purposes, but not forlimitation. The foregoing detailed description of the technology hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen in order tobest explain the principles of the technology and its practicalapplication to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe technology in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that thescope of the technology be defined by the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of an apparatus 300 at afirst node according to an embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus 300, at a first node, comprises: a transmitter 301operative to transmit wireless data or signals to a second node; and acircuitry 302 operative to determine whether one or more reservedperiods are reserved between two continuous data or signals transmittedby the transmitter based on a length of configured transmission timeintervals (TTIs). The circuitry 302 is further operative to: determinethe one or more reserved periods are reserved between two continuousdata or signals in a case that the length of configured TTI is shorterthan or equal to a threshold.

Thus, in RAN1 specification, in a case that the length of configured TTIis shorter than or equal to a threshold, the one or more reservedperiods are reserved between two continuous data or signals, andresource utilization can be optimized for different lengths of sTTIs.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B schematically show a transient time configurationaccording to different lengths of sTTIs according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

As shown in the FIG. 4A, no specific time being reserved for thetransient time (for example 2 symbols in a subframe and one symbol isfor start transient time and one symbol for end transient time) forslot-level TTI from the physical layer standard may not be problematic,because the duration of slot-level TTI is relatively longer. So, for theTTI longer than or equal to a threshold (for example, 500 us equals to 7OFDM symbols), no reserved periods are reserved between two continuousdata or signals.

As shown in FIG. 4B, for the TTI shorter than a threshold (for example,500 us equals to 7 OFDM symbols), namely 2 OFDM symbols are assumed,reserved periods are reserved between two continuous data or signals.

To be noted that the TTI concept may include a normal TTI with forexample, 1 ms assuming 15 khz subcarrier spacing (for example, specifiedin 3GPP TS 36.211, release 8-12), and a shortened TTI with a shortenedlength shorter than the length of a normal TTI, and any TTI with anylength. But the concept of the shortened TTI with a shortened lengthshorter than the length of the normal TTI is not definitely equal to theconcept of the TTI shorter than or equal to a threshold defined in thisdisclosure, because the threshold may be shorter than or longer than orequal to the length of the normal TTI. In order to make the solutionmore comprehensive, the shortened TTI with a shortened length shorterthan the length of the normal TTI is usually called sTTI for short, butnot for limitation, because the shortened TTI still belong to a kind ofTTI.

The following table 2 schematically shows an example to show thetransient time configuration to different lengths of sTTI according tothe embodiment. As shown in table 2, in the embodiment, the impact oftransient time for 7-symbol sTTI is around 8% assuming one transienttime is needed for start of a sTTI and one transient time is needed forend of a sTTI. The transient time is within the sTTI. The impact oftransient time to 4-symbol sTTI without hopping is around 16% and suchvalue is around 28% for 4 symbol sTTI with hopping and 2-symbol sTTI. Sobased on such analysis, no specific reserved time period should bereserved for 7 symbol sTTI and 4 symbol sTTI without hopping within asubframe. FIG. 4 also shows the example of 7 symbol sTTI. The transienttime is implemented by UE based on RAN4 requirement. But for 2 symbolsTTI case, It may interfere with other UE or transmission in anothersubframe, or impact its own transmission, there should be specific timereserved for the future transient time specified in RAN4, which causestwo sTTIs not adjacent in time domain from the base station or systemperspective.

TABLE 2 Transient time configuration to different sTTI 4 symbol TTI withhopping (assuming 2-2 4 symbol TTI symbol hopping 7 symbol TTI withouthopping structure) 2 symbol TTI Whether one or No No Yes Yes multiplereserved period is specially reserved within a subframe MotivationTransient time Transient time Transient time Transient time has lessimpact on has less impact on has larger impact has larger impact 7symbol TTI: 4 symbol TTI: on 4 symbol TTI on 2 symbol TTI: 40 us/500 us= 40 us/250 us = with hopping: 40 us/143 us = 8% 16% 40 us/143 us = 28%28%

To be noted that the “transient time” concept herein normally denotes aspecific time defined in RAN4 for the transmitter to transmit signals,but the “reserved time/period” concept herein normally denotes aspecific time reserved between two sTTIs from system perspective fromthe physical layer standard. In RAN4, the transient time reservation isrealized by the UE, and is different for different UE. In RAN1specification, there is no any handling on transient time/period oreNB/UE assumes continuous transmission of two TTIs or subframes as shownin FIG. 1C.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to: determinewhether one or more reserved periods are reserved between the twocontinuous data or signals based on at least one of types of the twocontinuous data or signals and power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to: determinethat one or more reserved periods are reserved between the twocontinuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous data orsignals are different; determine that one or more reserved periods arenot reserved between the two continuous data or signals, if there is nopower difference between the two continuous data or signals; ordetermine that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between thetwo continuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous dataor signals are different and there is no power difference between thetwo continuous data or signals.

This embodiment may include at least three ways in which:

(1) one or more reserved periods are reserved between the two continuousdata or signals, if the types of the two continuous data or signals aredifferent, no matter whether there is power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals; this way is efficient, because only onedetermination on whether the types of the two continuous data or signalsare different is performed, and transmitting two different types of data(such as SRS signal and the user data) normally has different power fortransmission;

(2) one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the twocontinuous data or signals, if there is no power difference between thetwo continuous data or signals, no matter whether the types of the twocontinuous data or signals are different; in this case, if no powerdifference occurs between the two continuous data or signals, then thereis no need to change the power from ON to OFF (or from high to low) orfrom OFF to ON (or from high to low), so it is not necessary to reserveone or more reserved periods between the two continuous data or signals,thereby, the resource utilization can be optimized;

(3) one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the twocontinuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous data orsignals are different and there is no power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals; in a case, two conditions should be bothsatisfied: first, the types of the two continuous data or signals aredifferent, and second, there is no power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals. The cases that there is no power differencebetween the two continuous data or signals when the types of the twocontinuous data or signals are different are very few. However, oncethere is no power difference between the two continuous data or signals,it is not necessary to reserve one or more reserved periods between thetwo continuous data or signals, thereby, the resource utilization can beoptimized.

FIG. 5A schematically shows a transient time configuration according todifferent channel types according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 5B schematically shows a transient time configuration according todifferent channel types according to the embodiment of the invention.The two drawings show the above mentioned first way in which: (1) one ormore reserved periods are reserved between the two continuous data orsignals, if the types of the two continuous data or signals aredifferent. As shown in FIG. 5A, 40 us reserved periods are reservedbetween the two continuous data or signals, since the types of the twocontinuous data or signals (the user data (sTTI) and the SRS type data)are different. As shown in FIG. 5B, no reserved period is reservedbetween the two continuous data or signals, since the types of the twocontinuous data or signals (both the user data (sTTIs) from the same UE)are the same. In this case, the reason is that the user data and SRSwould have different power, but the power between two sTTIs from thesame UE could have no difference. So, resource utilization is improvedas no resource is wasted for the transient time.

FIG. 6A schematically shows a transient time not aligned withsymbol/slot boundary of normal TTI according to an embodiment of theinvention.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to: in a casethat the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals, not align Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) or Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access(SC-FDMA) symbol boundary of each of the two continuous data or signalswith that of the other data or signals which have a length of TTIequaling to or longer than the threshold, as shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6A shows an example that the sTTI is not aligned with legacy symbolor slot boundary within a subframe due to the introduction of thetransient time. Multiple transient times are reserved between two sTTIswithin a subframe. Here, it is assumed that one sTTI consists of onesymbol transmitting DMRS and one symbol transmitting data. The sTTIs arearranged as much as possible within a subframe based on the minimumrequirement of RAN4. In this example, a maximum of 5 sTTIs could bearranged with a subframe. By doing so, sTTI resources could beoptimized.

FIG. 6B schematically shows a transient time aligned with symbol/slotboundary of normal TTI according to another embodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to: in a casethat the one or more reserved periods are reserved between two data orsignals, align OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol boundary of each of the twocontinuous data or signals with that of the other data or signals whichhave a length of TTI equaling to or longer than the threshold, as showin FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B shows an example that the sTTI is exactly aligned with legacysymbol or slot boundary within a subframe due to introduction of thetransient time. In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operativeto: reserve one OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol for the reserved period betweenthe two continuous data or signals. As shown in FIG. 6B, one OFDM orSC-FDMA symbol is used for transient time and there is no interferencewith each other between two adjacent sTTIs. As the symbol is aligned,inter-carrier interference and UE complexity may be minimized,considering some normal TTIs may be multiplexed with sTTIs in frequencydomain in the same subframe, however, the resource utilization may notbe optimized, since there are only four sTTIs arranged with a subframecompared with the case of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a transient time configuration in which asounding reference signal (SRS) in a sTTI is used for demodulatingaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the transmitter 301 is operative to: in a case thatthe one data or signal of the two continuous data or signals include asounding reference signal (SRS), transmit user data in the one data orsignal without transmitting a demodulation reference Signal (DMRS) inthe one data or signal.

FIG. 7 shows one example that SRS signal could be used for demodulatingsTTI. In a subframe, when UE transmits SRS, the adjacent sTTI will nottransmit DMRS. SRS will be used for demodulation. Such behavior isbeneficial to reduce RS overhead. But as not every subframe or PRB willtransmit SRS, which PRB or subframe uses SRS for demodulation depends onSRS configuration.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a transient time configuration in which thestart time of a transmission or transient time is controlled by eNB,according to another embodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to: make aneNodeB (eNB) to indicate at least one of start time of at least one ofthe reserved periods and start time of at least one of data or signals.Thus, the reserved period configuration can be configured by the eNB.

FIG. 8 shows one example that eNB indicates the reserved time of a UE.In a case that the previous sTTI (sTTI 1) has longer length, thereserved time of sTTI 2 could be within sTTI 1 considering that theimpact on sTTI 1 is smaller. The eNB could indicate the reserved time orstart time of a transport block (TB) by certain signalling (e.g.,Downlink Control Information (DCI) in Physical Downlink Control Channel(PDCCH) or Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (EPDCCH)). Anotherpossibility is that the eNB controls the start time of a transmission ortransient time by timing advance indication.

In a case that the previous sTTI's length (sTTI 1) is smaller, thereserved time of sTTI 2 is not within any sTTI. The reserved time orstart time of transmission is indicated by eNB. By doing so, it couldavoid interference to each other.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to: reserve thereserved period which does not overlap with a reference signal (RS)symbol.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 302 is further operative to perform atleast one of the following steps, in a case that the length of each TTIis shorter than or equal to a threshold: setting the one or morereserved periods in which no wanted or desired data or signal istransmitted between continuous data or signals; setting the one or morereserved periods in which no wanted or desired data or signal istransmitted before transmitting subsequent data or signals; and settingthe one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desired data orsignal is transmitted after transmitting subsequent data or signals.

That is, reserving a reserved period in this disclosure means settingthe one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desired data orsignal is transmitted between continuous data or signals, beforetransmitting subsequent data or signals and after transmittingsubsequent data or signals. Therefore, inter-subcarrier interference canbe reduced.

In an embodiment, the wanted or desired data or signal may be data orsignal whose transmission power level is higher than a predeterminedrequirement.

In an embodiment, the two continuous data or signals may include atleast one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation referenceSignal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of a TTI.

In an embodiment, the configured TTI includes at least one of ashortened TTI within a subframe and a TTI across one or more subframes.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B schematically show a transient time configurationfor four symbol sTTIs with hopping, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

The four symbol sTTIs with hopping means that the first two symbols aretransmitted first, and the last two symbols are then transmitted. FIG.9A and FIG. 9B shows an example on four symbol sTTI with hopping case asshown in FIG. 9A. Basically in this case, the four symbol sTTI couldreuse two-symbol sTTI time pattern; for example, the TTI1 transmits thefirst two symbols of four-symbol sTTI and the TTI2 transmits the lasttwo symbols of four-symbol sTTI, but the first two symbols are indifferent physical resource blocks (PRBs) from the last two symbols asshown in FIG. 9B.

Thus, with the embodiments of the invention, resource utilization can beoptimized, and inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

FIG. 10 schematically shows a flow chart of a method 1000 at a firstnode according to an embodiment of the invention.

The method 1000 performed at a first node, comprising steps of: stepS1001, transmitting wireless data or signals to a second node; and stepS1002, determining whether one or more reserved periods are reservedbetween two continuous data or signals transmitted by the transmitterbased on a length of configured transmission time intervals (TTIs),wherein the step S1002 of determining further includes: determining theone or more reserved periods are reserved between two continuous data orsignals in a case that the length of configured TTI is shorter than orequal to a threshold.

In an embodiment, the step S1002 of determining further includes:determining whether one or more reserved periods are reserved betweenthe two continuous data or signals based on at least one of types of thetwo continuous data or signals and power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals.

In an embodiment, the step S1002 of determining further includes:determining that one or more reserved periods are reserved between thetwo continuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous dataor signals are different; determining that one or more reserved periodsare not reserved between the two continuous data or signals, if there isno power difference between the two continuous data or signals; ordetermining that one or more reserved periods are not reserved betweenthe two continuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuousdata or signals are different and there is no power difference betweenthe two continuous data or signals.

In an embodiment, the step S1002 of determining further includes: in acase that the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals, the symbol of the two continuous data orsignals is not aligned with that of the other data or signals which havea length of sTTI is longer than or equal to the threshold.

In an embodiment, the step S1002 of determining further includes: in acase that the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals, not aligning Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) or Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access(SC-FDMA) symbol boundary of each of the two continuous data or signalswith that of the other data or signals which have a length of TTIequaling to or longer than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the step S1002 of determining further includes:reserving one OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol for the reserved period between thetwo continuous data or signals.

In an embodiment, the step S1001 of transmitting further includes: in acase that the one data or signal of the two continuous data or signalsinclude a sounding reference signal (SRS), transmit user data in the onedata or signal without transmitting a demodulation reference Signal(DMRS) in the one data or signal.

In an embodiment, the method 1000 further includes: making an eNodeB(eNB) to indicate at least one of start time of at least one of thereserved periods and start time of at least one of data or signals.

In an embodiment, the step S1002 of determining further includes:reserving the reserved period which does not overlap with a referencesignal (RS) symbol.

In an embodiment the step S1002 of determining further includesperforming at least one of the following steps, in a case that thelength of each TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold: setting theone or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desired data orsignal is transmitted between continuous data or signals; setting theone or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desired data orsignal is transmitted before transmitting subsequent data or signals;and setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted ordesired data or signal is transmitted after transmitting subsequent dataor signals.

In an embodiment, the wanted or desired data or signal is data or signalwhose transmission power level is higher than a predeterminedrequirement.

In an embodiment, the two continuous data or signals include at leastone of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation referenceSignal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of a TTI.

In an embodiment, the configured TTI includes at least one of ashortened TTI within a subframe and a TTI across one or more subframes.

Thus, with the embodiments of the invention, resource utilization can beoptimized, and inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

To be noted that the method may perform additional actions and steps bythe apparatus as above mentioned, so such additional actions and stepsare not described here to avoid redundancy.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a block diagram of a system 1100 accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

The communication system 1100, performed at a first node, comprises: oneor more processors 1101; a memory 1102 coupled with the one or moreprocessors, storing computer programs therein, when executed by the oneor more processors, to perform steps of: transmitting wireless data orsignals to a second node; and determining whether one or more reservedperiods are reserved between two continuous data or signals transmittedby the transmitter based on a length of configured transmission timeintervals (TTIs), wherein the step of determining further includes:determining the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals in a case that the length of configured TTIis shorter than or equal to a threshold.

To be noted that the computer programs therein, when executed by the oneor more processors, can perform steps as above mentioned, so thedetailed description is omitted herein.

Thus, with the embodiments of the invention, resource utilization can beoptimized, and inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure can at least providethe following subject matters.

(1) An apparatus, at a first node, comprising:

a transmitter operative to transmit wireless data or signals to a secondnode; and

a circuitry operative to determine whether one or more reserved periodsare reserved between two continuous data or signals transmitted by thetransmitter based on a length of configured transmission time intervals(TTIs),

wherein the circuitry is further operative to:

determine the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals in a case that the length of configured TTIis shorter than or equal to a threshold.

(2) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

determine whether one or more reserved periods are reserved between thetwo continuous data or signals based on at least one of types of the twocontinuous data or signals and power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals.

(3) The apparatus according to (2), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

determine that one or more reserved periods are reserved between the twocontinuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous data orsignals are different;

determine that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between thetwo continuous data or signals, if there is no power difference betweenthe two continuous data or signals; or

determine that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between thetwo continuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous dataor signals are different and there is no power difference between thetwo continuous data or signals.

(4) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

in a case that the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals, not align Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) or Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access(SC-FDMA) symbol boundary of each of the two continuous data or signalswith that of the other data or signals which have a length of TTIequaling to or longer than the threshold.

(5) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

in a case that the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twodata or signals, align OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol boundary of each of thetwo continuous data or signals with that of the other data or signalswhich have a length of TTI equaling to or longer than the threshold.

(6) The apparatus according to (5), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

reserve one OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol for the reserved period between thetwo continuous data or signals.

(7) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, the transmitter isoperative to:

in a case that the one data or signal of the two continuous data orsignals include a sounding reference signal (SRS), transmit user data inthe one data or signal without transmitting a demodulation referenceSignal (DMRS) in the one data or signal.

(8) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

make an eNodeB (eNB) to indicate at least one of start time of at leastone of the reserved periods and start time of at least one of data orsignals.

(9) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, the circuitry is furtheroperative to:

reserve the reserved period which does not overlap with a referencesignal (RS) symbol.

(10) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the circuitry is furtheroperative to perform at least one of the following steps, in a case thatthe length of each TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold:

setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desireddata or signal is transmitted between continuous data or signals;

setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desireddata or signal is transmitted before transmitting subsequent data orsignals; and

setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desireddata or signal is transmitted after transmitting subsequent data orsignals.

(11) The apparatus according to (10), wherein the wanted or desired dataor signal is data or signal whose transmission power level is higherthan a predetermined requirement.

(12) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the two continuous data orsignals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), ademodulation reference Signal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of a TTI.

(13) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the configured TTI includesat least one of a shortened TTI within a subframe and a TTI across oneor more subframes.

(14) A method, performed at a first node, comprising steps of:

transmitting wireless data or signals to a second node; and

determining whether one or more reserved periods are reserved betweentwo continuous data or signals transmitted by the transmitter based on alength of configured transmission time intervals (TTIs),

wherein the step of determining further includes:

determining the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals in a case that the length of configured TTIis shorter than or equal to a threshold.

(15) The method according to (14), wherein, the step of determiningfurther includes:

determining whether one or more reserved periods are reserved betweenthe two continuous data or signals based on at least one of types of thetwo continuous data or signals and power difference between the twocontinuous data or signals.

(16) The method according to (15), wherein, the step of determiningfurther includes:

determining that one or more reserved periods are reserved between thetwo continuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuous dataor signals are different;

determining that one or more reserved periods are not reserved betweenthe two continuous data or signals, if there is no power differencebetween the two continuous data or signals; or

determining that one or more reserved periods are not reserved betweenthe two continuous data or signals, if the types of the two continuousdata or signals are different and there is no power difference betweenthe two continuous data or signals.

(17) The method according to (14), wherein, the step of determiningfurther includes:

in a case that the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals, the symbol of the two continuous data orsignals is not aligned with that of the other data or signals which havea length of sTTI is longer than or equal to the threshold.

(18) The method according to (14), wherein, the step of determiningfurther includes:

in a case that the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals, not aligning Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) or Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access(SC-FDMA) symbol boundary of each of the two continuous data or signalswith that of the other data or signals which have a length of TTIequaling to or longer than the threshold.

(19) The method according to (18), wherein, the step of determiningfurther includes:

reserving one OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol for the reserved period between thetwo continuous data or signals.

(20) The method according to (14), wherein, the step of transmittingfurther includes:

in a case that the one data or signal of the two continuous data orsignals include a sounding reference signal (SRS), transmit user data inthe one data or signal without transmitting a demodulation referenceSignal (DMRS) in the one data or signal.

(21) The method according to (14), wherein, the method further includes:

making an eNodeB (eNB) to indicate at least one of start time of atleast one of the reserved periods and start time of at least one of dataor signals.

(22) The method according to (14), wherein, the step of determiningfurther includes:

reserving the reserved period which does not overlap with a referencesignal (RS) symbol.

(23) The method according to (14), wherein the step of determiningfurther includes performing at least one of the following steps, in acase that the length of each TTI is shorter than or equal to athreshold:

setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desireddata or signal is transmitted between continuous data or signals;

setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desireddata or signal is transmitted before transmitting subsequent data orsignals; and

setting the one or more reserved periods in which no wanted or desireddata or signal is transmitted after transmitting subsequent data orsignals.

(24) The method according to (23), wherein the wanted or desired data orsignal is data or signal whose transmission power level is higher than apredetermined requirement.

(25) The method according to (14), wherein the two continuous data orsignals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), ademodulation reference Signal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of a TTI.

(26) The method according to (14), wherein the configured TTI includesat least one of a shortened TTI within a subframe and a TTI across oneor more subframes.

(27) A communication system, performed at a first node, comprising

one or more processors;

a memory coupled with the one or more processors, storing computerprograms therein, when executed by the one or more processors, toperform steps of:

transmitting wireless data or signals to a second node; and

determining whether one or more reserved periods are reserved betweentwo continuous data or signals transmitted by the transmitter based on alength of configured transmission time intervals (TTIs),

wherein the step of determining further includes:

determining the one or more reserved periods are reserved between twocontinuous data or signals in a case that the length of configured TTIis shorter than or equal to a threshold.

The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, orsoftware in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in thedescription of each embodiment described above can be realized by an LSIas an integrated circuit, and each process described in the eachembodiment may be controlled by LSI. They may be individually formed aschips, or one chip may be formed so as to include a part or all of thefunctional blocks. They may include a data input and output coupledthereto. The LSI here may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a superLSI, or an ultra LSI depending on a difference in the degree ofintegration. However, the technique of implementing an integratedcircuit is not limited to the LSI and may be realized by using adedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, a FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after themanufacture of the LSI or a reconfigurable processor in which theconnections and the settings of circuits cells disposed inside the LSIcan be reconfigured may be used.

Examples of several embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail above, with reference to the attached illustrationsof specific embodiments. Because it is not possible, of course, todescribe every conceivable combination of components or techniques,those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications maybe made to the above described embodiments without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. For example, it will be readilyappreciated that although the above embodiments are described withreference to parts of a 3GPP network, an embodiment of the presentdisclosure will also be applicable to like networks, such as a successorof the 3GPP network, having like functional components.

Therefore, in particular, the terms 3GPP and associated or related termsused in the above description and in the enclosed drawings and anyappended claims now or in the future are to be interpreted accordingly.

The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, orsoftware in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in thedescription of each embodiment described above can be realized by an LSIas an integrated circuit, and each process described in the eachembodiment may be controlled by LSI. They may be individually formed aschips, or one chip may be formed so as to include a part or all of thefunctional blocks. They may include a data input and output coupledthereto. The LSI here may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a superLSI, or an ultra LSI depending on a difference in the degree ofintegration. However, the technique of implementing an integratedcircuit is not limited to the LSI and may be realized by using adedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, a FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after themanufacture of the LSI or a reconfigurable processor in which theconnections and the settings of circuits cells disposed inside the LSIcan be reconfigured may be used.

Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the discloseddisclosure(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended tobe included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific termsmay be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A first communication apparatus comprising:circuitry, which in operation, reserves one or more blanked periodsbetween two consecutive signals in a first case where a first conditionand other conditions are met, wherein the first condition is that asubcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals is larger than orequal to a threshold, and reserves no blanked period between the twoconsecutive signals in a second case where the first condition is notmet and the other conditions are met; and a transmitter, which inoperation, transmits the two consecutive signals to a secondcommunication apparatus.
 18. The first communication apparatus accordingto claim 17, wherein no one or more blanked periods is reserved betweenthe two consecutive signals in a third case where the first condition ismet and the other conditions are not met.
 19. The first communicationapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the other conditions incudes acondition in which there is a power difference between the twoconsecutive signals.
 20. The first communication apparatus according toclaim 17, wherein no one or more blanked periods is reserved between thetwo consecutive signals in a fourth case where the first condition ismet and there is not a power difference between the two consecutivesignals.
 21. The first communication apparatus according to claim 17,wherein the one or more blanked periods are aligned with a boundary ofan Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Single-carrierFrequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbol of the twoconsecutive signals in the first case.
 22. The first communicationapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more blanked periodsbetween the two consecutive signals is one OFDM symbol or one SC-FDMAsymbol.
 23. The first communication apparatus according to claim 17,wherein the two consecutive signals include at least one of a soundingreference signal (SRS) or a demodulation reference Signal (DMRS).
 24. Acommunication method performed at a first communication apparatus, thecommunication method comprising: reserving one or more blanked periodsbetween two consecutive signals in a first case where a first conditionand other conditions are met, wherein the first condition is that asubcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals is larger than orequal to a threshold; reserving no blanked period between the twoconsecutive signals in a second case where the first condition is notmet and the other conditions are met; and transmitting two consecutivesignals to a second communication apparatus.
 25. The communicationmethod according to claim 24, wherein no one or more blanked periods isreserved between the two consecutive signals in a third case where thefirst condition is met and the other conditions are not met.
 26. Thecommunication method according to claim 24, wherein the other conditionsincudes a condition in which there is a power difference between the twoconsecutive signals.
 27. The communication method according to claim 24,wherein no one or more blanked periods is reserved between the twoconsecutive signals in a fourth case where the first condition is metand there is not a power difference between the two consecutive signals.28. The communication method according to claim 24, wherein the one ormore blanked periods are aligned with a boundary of an OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Single-carrierFrequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbol of the twoconsecutive signals in the first case.
 29. The communication methodaccording to claim 28, wherein the one or more blanked periods betweenthe two consecutive signals is one OFDM symbol or one SC-FDMA symbol.